When God Doesn't Answer Your Prayer


Jerry Sittser - 2003
    What went wrong? Why wasn't my prayer answered? he asks. It is no longer an abstract question to me. What should we do and how should we respond when our prayers--prayers that seem right and true and good--go unanswered? In When God Doesn't Answer Your Prayer, Sittser continues exploring the issues he addressed in A Grace Disguised. He asks, Why doesn't God answer our prayers? What, if anything, can we do about it? Sittser is intensely committed to exploring the Christian faith, especially when it doesn't seem to work. In this thoughtful and beautifully written book, he moves beyond easy answers and religious formulas to explore the goodness and greatness of a God who cannot be controlled but can be trusted.

The Good and Beautiful God: Falling in Love with the God Jesus Knows


James Bryan Smith - 2009
    Some are true--but many are false. James Bryan Smith believes those thoughts determine not only who we are, but how we live. In fact, Smith declares, the most important thing about a person is what they think about God. The path to spiritual transformation begins here. Turning to the Gospels, Smith invites you to put your ideas to the test to see if they match up with what Jesus himself reveals about God. Once you've discovered the truth in Scripture, Smith leads you through a process of spiritual formation that includes specific activities aimed at making these new narratives real in your body and soul as well as your mind. At the end of each chapter you'll find an opportunity for soul training, engaging in spiritual practices that reinforce the biblical messages on your mind and heart. Because the best way to make a complete and lasting change is to go through the material in community, small group discussion questions also accompany each chapter. Those who are leading apprentice groups will also find additional help and opportunities to interact with other leaders at the Apprentice website, www.apprenticeofjesus.com. This deep, loving and transformative book will help you discover the narratives that Jesus lived by--to know the Lord he knew and the kingdom he proclaimed--and to practice spiritual exercises that will help you grow in the knowledge of our good and beautiful God.

Opening the Door to Your God-Sized Dream: 40 Days of Encouragement for Your Heart


Holley Gerth - 2013
    But between taking those first steps in pursuit of your dream and reaching your goal is a bumpy road of second-guessing, doubt, and fear. For the dreamer who wants a helping hand and a heartfelt friend along the way, Holley graciously offers this inspiring devotional journey to greater trust, joy, and confidence.Rather than the typical quiet devotional, this 40-day journey is an invitation and a challenge, a soul-soother and a game-changer. Through honest self-reflection and positive action, readers will not be the same on the last page as they were on the first--and neither will their view of God or the dreams he's placed within their hearts. Any woman who is ready to take that next step in making her God-sized dream a reality will cherish this confidence-building devotional.

Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace: Living in the Spirit of the Prayer of St. Francis


Kent Nerburn - 1999
    Francis of Assisi. The Prayer of St. Francis boldly but gently challenges us to resist the forces of evil and negativity with the spirit of goodwill and generosity. And Nerburn shows, in his wonderfully personal and humble way, how we each can live out the prayer's prescription for living in our everyday and less-than-saintly lives. "Where there is hatred, let me sow love...Where there is injury, let me sow pardon..." Expanding upon each line of the St. Francis Prayer, Nerburn shares touching, inspiring stories from his own experience and that of others and reveals how each of us can make a difference for good in ordinary ways without being heroes or saints. Struggling to help a young son comfort his best friend when his mother dies, moved by the courage of war enemies who reconcile, being wrenched out of self-absorbed depression by responding to someone else's tragedy, taking a spirited old lady on a farewell taxi ride through her town-these are the kinds of everyday moments in which Nerburn finds we can live out the spirit of St. Francis.By incorporating the power and grace of these few lines of practical idealism into our thoughts and deeds, we can begin to ease our own suffering-and the suffering of those with whom we share our lives. And, remarkably, find a way to true peace and happiness by tapping into our basic human goodness. As we open our hearts and embrace his words, St. Francis "touches our deepest humanity and ignites the spark of our divinity."Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.Where there is hatred let me sow love, Where there is injury let me sow pardon, Where there is doubt, faith, Where there is despair, hope, Where there is darkness, light, And where there is sadness, joy...In this beautifully written book, Kent Nerburn leads us into the heart of the St. Francis Prayer and line by line demonstrates how St. Francis's words can resonate in our lives today.

Defeated Enemies


Corrie ten Boom - 1962
    Out of the depth of her own spiritual experiences, world Christian Corrie ten Boom shares with her Christian readers that the victory has been already won and the enemy of our souls defeated in God's timeless eternity.

Hearing Heart


Hannah Hurnard - 1973
    In this autobiography, Hurnard recounts how God's transforming power replaced her despair and fearfulness with his joy, testifying that anyone can experience personal communion with the Lord.

A Year with C. S. Lewis: Daily Readings from His Classic Works


C.S. Lewis - 2003
    Lewis is an intimate day-to-day companion by C.S. Lewis, the most important Christian writer of the 20th century. The daily meditations have been culled from Lewis’ celebrated signature classics: Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, The Problem of Pain, Miracles, and A Grief Observed, as well as from the distinguished works The Weight of Glory and The Abolition of Man. Ruminating on such themes as the nature of love, the existence of miracles, overcoming a devastating loss, and discovering a profound Christian faith, A Year with C.S. Lewis offers unflinchingly honest insight for each day of the year.

Every Man's Battle: Winning the War on Sexual Temptation One Victory at a Time


Stephen Arterburn - 2000
    Original.

The Knowledge of the Holy


A.W. Tozer - 1961
    Tozer illuminates God’s attributes—from wisdom, to grace, to mercy—and in doing so, attempts to restore the majesty and wonder of God in the hearts and minds of all Christians. A modern classic of Christian testimony and devotion, The Knowledge of the Holy shows us how we can rejuvenate our prayer life, meditate more reverently, understand God more deeply, and experience God’s presence in our daily lives.

Love: The Words and Inspiration of Mother Teresa


Mother Teresa - 2007
    Inspired by the life and philosophy of one of the 20th centuryas most remarkable humanitarians, this book combines compelling photographs of Mother Teresa with quotations from her most inspiring speeches and writings to capture the true essence of her timeless messages of peace, acceptance, and love. The book also includes an in-depth biographical essay by South African writer/novelist Mike Nicol and an introduction by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

God of the Underdogs: When the Odds Are Against You, God Is For You


Matt Keller - 2013
    Matt’s unique way of storytelling will engage you from page one and leave you inspired to live up to your full potential!” — Mark Batterson, New York Times best-selling author, The Circle Maker“Matt is a new voice in leadership and one you need to listen to. Matt’s book will inspire you to take on the next challenge and be the leader God has called you to be.” — Brad Lomenick, president and lead visionary, Catalyst Conferences; author, The Catalyst Leader. @BradLomenick“Everyone loves an underdog. In this book, Matt Keller shows us that God does too. God of the Underdogs will guide you beyond your limitations and into a realm where only God-powered potential exists.” — John Bevere, author and speaker, Messenger International,Colorado / Australia / United Kingdom• Ever felt like the underdog?• Like you’re just not good enough?• Like you lack the confidence to pursue your dreams?If so, you’re not alone. The Bible is full of ordinary people that the world considered underdogs, but God chose them to change the world.God of the Underdogs taps into a recognizable metaphor to show how the Creator of the universe wants to use you to accomplish great things for him. By weaving his own underdog story with the stories of some of the Bible’s greatest underdog heroes, Matt Keller demonstrates that men and women like Moses, Esther, King David, the apostle Paul, and even Jesus shared the “But I can’t…” sentiment. They considered themselves ordinary — but God saw them as extraordinary!God wants to use your life in a unique way. God sees your potential. So rise up, underdog! Beat the odds, live your dream, and change your world!

What If God Wrote Your Bucket List?: 52 Things You Don't Want to Miss


Jay Payleitner - 2015
    Tango. See the Eiffel Tower. Swim with sharks.Bucket lists can get pretty crazy! But what if God wanted you to think even further outside the box? To pattern your life after the one who said some pretty crazy things himself: "Love your enemies." "Store up treasures in heaven." "Seek first his kingdom and righteousness."If you checked every item off your bucket list, would your life be complete? In these pages you'll find 52 items to help you revamp your must-do list...Run with scissors. Bounce off brick walls. Celebrate quirks.Banish grudges. Dodge counterfeit happiness. Peek into dark corners.Get fired. Enlist invisible reinforcements. Get nose-to-nose with an alligator.As you check off God's bucket list, you may find yourself doing things you never thought possible. Jay Payleitner helps you get your priorities straight with the most important relationship in your life—you and God.

Let Me Tell You a Story: Life Lessons from Unexpected Places and Unlikely People


Tony Campolo - 2000
    Passionate. Witty. Poignant. No one tells a story like Tony Campolo.Why stories? Stories have the power to sneak up on us, catch us unaware, and in the process draw us closer to our fellow human beings . . . and to God. And when Tony Campolo tells a story, we are captivated and entertained by the amazing characters and situations he describes.You'll laugh (or wince) at how one particular missions offering was raised.You'll feel the tragedy of a friend Tony didn't stand up for.You'll thrill to the "Sunday's comin' " sermon.You'll be moved when you learn about the childhood event that caused Bishop Tutu to become a priest.These are stories of hope, doubt, faith, failure, and triumph. Of people standing up for justice, showing mercy, and living for God. But don't just expect to be entertained by Tony Campolo-though you will be. He just might change your heart and your life's priorities.Listen well. You might overhear God talking to you.

Not All Roads Lead to Heaven: Sharing an Exclusive Jesus in an Inclusive World


Robert Jeffress - 2016
    But if Jesus is to be trusted when he says that no one comes to the Father except through him, the church is failing in its mission. And it's not hard to guess why. An exclusive Jesus just isn't popular in our inclusive world. Dr. Robert Jeffress calls on Christians to recover the exclusive claims of the one they claim as Lord and Savior, not as a way to keep people out of heaven but as the only way to invite them in. He tackles questions like - Can people be saved who have never heard of Christ?- What about those who worship God by another name?- Do children automatically go to Heaven when they die? True compassion for non-Christians doesn't lie in letting them go their way while we go ours, but in sharing the only true way with them.

The Ultimate Exodus: Finding Freedom from What Enslaves You


Danielle Strickland - 2017
    Danielle Strickland revisits the story of the Exodus to see what we can learn from a people who were slaves and who learned from God what it means to be free. We discover as we go that deliverance goes much deeper than our circumstances. God uproots us from the things we have become slaves to, and He takes us on a long walk to the freedom He created us to enjoy.